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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- According to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, more than 90 percent of cancer patients experience fatigue as a side effect of the cancer and its treatment. Throughout the year, especially in April in observance of Cancer Fatigue Awareness Month, Presbyterian Cancer Center will continue to increase awareness and efforts toward helping patients fight fatigue.

Cancer-related fatigue is best described as experiencing a continual physical, emotional, or mental tiredness that is not relieved by periods of rest. Patients can experience this feeling for a wide range of reasons, including post-surgery recovery, various treatments and medications, or cancer-related symptoms, such as anemia.

"Many patients don't report fatigue because people tend to think that feeling 'tired' is normal and is nothing to tell their doctor about," said Tara Ballard, cancer rehabilitation manager at Presbyterian.

One way that the center helps cancer survivors fight fatigue is Strides to Strength, a cancer wellness program that helps patients overcome fatigue and reach physical and emotional recovery in the wake of a cancer diagnosis. The 12-week/24-session program provides patients with a personalized fitness and nutrition plan, as well as information on recovery and dealing with the emotional and physical challenges of cancer.

According to Tammy Parker, Strides participant and breast cancer survivor, "Strides is like Cheers; everybody there knows your name and your situation. I really cannot speak highly enough about the program, the instructors or the friends I have met there."

The Cancer Center will also offer a special panel discussion in honor of fatigue awareness. On April 16 at 6 p.m., medical oncologist Dr. Scott McGinnis, dietician Michelle Gay, and Tara Ballard will talk about cancer-related fatigue and how to manage it. The discussion is free to the public and food will be served. To register for the class, please call 704-384-5223. For more information on cancer fatigue or Presbyterian Cancer Center, please visit www.presbyterian.org/cancer or call 704-384-4750.